Abstract: Communication systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a first user at a video endpoint to communicate with a far-end user at a communication device via a relay service providing translation services for the first user. The video endpoint may include a camera and may be configured to frame a view of the camera to include a signing area of a user. The video endpoint may be configured to determine the signing area of the user by taking measurements of the user's body and framing a region around the user to include the signing area based on the measurements, by monitoring a range of motion for the signing area of the user, and other methods.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to provide transcriptions of an audio communication session is disclosed. The method may include receiving audio data at a first device from a second device over a first wireless network connection of a first wireless network type and providing the audio data to a speaker of the first device for output of the audio data. The method may further include encoding the audio data at the first device based on a second wireless network type and transmitting the encoded audio data from the first device over a second wireless network of the second wireless network type.

Abstract: A method for accessing offline voicemail messages within a mobile messaging application may be provided. First, a voice mail message may be received and the voicemail message may be transcribed to text. Next, the voicemail message and the text transcription may be stored. The recipient may then be presented with a list of voicemail messages and the voicemail message may be retrieved in response to the recipient. The recipient may read or listen to the voicemail message or both. The recipient may also annotate the voicemail message.

Abstract: Certain features relate to operating a distributed antenna system or repeater system communicating frequency-division duplexing (“FDD”) signals in a time-division duplexing (“TDD”) mode. A TDD mode scheduler is configured for monitoring a downlink communications channel for the start of a downlink frame, sub-frame, or resource slot. Based on the start of a downlink frame, sub-frame, or resource slot, the TDD mode scheduler can identify a TDD transmission time-slot. The TDD mode scheduler can schedule high-powered downlink sub-frames during the TDD transmission time-slots where higher power output may be desirable. Based on the indication of the TDD transmission time-slot, a transmit/receive controller can increase the gain of the downlink communication and reduce the gain of the uplink communication.

Abstract: Techniques used to selectively amplify audio signals are described herein in connection with audio amplification electronic devices, such as hearing aids, including over-the-ear hearing aids. A device and its operation are described to facilitate setting low and high tone/volume controls separately, using at least two selection mechanisms. In one aspect, a first selection mechanism includes a pitch frequency control rocker switch and the second selection mechanism includes a bass frequency control rocker switch disposed separately. In one aspect, the bass frequency control rocker switch causes a processor to bias the frequency response of the sound amplifier for frequencies below 1 kHz. In another aspect, the pitch frequency control rocker switch causes a processor to bias the frequency response of the hearing for frequencies above 1 kHz.

Abstract: A method of operating a captioned telephone, comprising storing analog test data in a captioned telephone memory, dialing a telephone number to a relay gateway, connecting to the relay gateway over a communication network and performing a test of the communication network quality using the test data to determine if the network is sufficient to carry analog data, the test including at least one of transmitting the test data to the relay gateway and receiving test data from the relay gateway via the communication network, wherein the network is one of a POTS network and a VOIP network.

Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise an image capturing device to capture one or more images, the one or more images corresponding to a field of the view of a user of a head-mounted augmented reality device, and a processor communicatively coupled to the image capturing device to extract a set of map points from the set of images, to identify a set of sparse points and a set of dense points from the extracted set of map points, and to perform a normalization on the set of map points.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing error correction in a text caption are disclosed. A method may comprise displaying a text caption including one or more blocks of text on each of a first device and a second device remote from the first device. The method may also include generating another block of text and replacing a block of text of the text caption with the other block of text. Furthermore, the method may include displaying the text caption on the second device having the block of text of the first text caption replaced by the other block of text.

Abstract: In a data input device according to one aspect of the present invention, a position detection unit detects a first position based on a position of one part of a body of a user represented in a video captured by an image capturing device and a second position based on a position of another part of the body. A drawing input detection unit establishes, based on the first position, an input detection region in which a drawing input is detected, and detects, based on whether or not the second position is included in the input detection region, the drawing input. A position-of-interest detection unit detects a position-of-interest corresponding to the second position on an image display plane. An image forming unit forms an image indicating a position-of-interest in a case that the drawing input detection unit detects the drawing input.

Abstract: A system for providing multimedia messages to a mobile device and a method thereof that includes a server structured to receive and forward multimedia messages. In the system, the server may include a processor structured to receive a multimedia message. When the multimedia message is received, the processor may determine a multimedia standard operable with the mobile device, and direct the formatting of the multimedia message in accordance with the standard. The formatting may be done by the processor itself or another means for formatting the multimedia message. Further, the system may notify the mobile device that the multimedia message has been received and send the formatted multimedia message to the mobile device based on a response to the notification.

Abstract: The application relates to a configurable hearing device such as a hearing aid comprising an input transducer adapted to transform an input sound signal to an electrical input signal; a memory storing at least two different performance categories, each comprising a group of technical features, the group of technical features of each of the at least two different performance categories being at least partially overlapping and each technical feature of the group of technical features being defined by a selectable range and/or parameter settings; a signal processing unit adapted to access the memory and to process the electrical input signal in accordance with an active performance category selectable from the at least two different performance categories, the signal processing unit providing a processed electrical signal; and an output transducer adapted to transform the processed electrical signal to an output signal producing a hearing perception to a user of the hearing device. The invention may e.g.

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing having a center of gravity located within a posterior region, a positioning pad attached to the top surface of the elongated housing for minimizing contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes at least one locator disposed along the anterior region of the elongated housing for contacting a patient's teeth to securely position the mouthpiece within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to simplifying updating of a predictive model using clustering observed points. In particular, it relates to observing a set of points in 3D sensory space, determining surface normal directions from the points, clustering the points by their surface normal directions and adjacency, accessing a predictive model of a hand, refining positions of segments of the predictive model, matching the clusters of the points to the segments, and using the matched clusters to refine the positions of the matched segments. It also relates to distinguishing between alternative motions between two observed locations of a control object in a 3D sensory space by accessing first and second positions of a segment of a predictive model of a control object such that motion between the first position and the second position was at least partially occluded from observation in a 3D sensory space.

Abstract: Implementations enable conversations between operators of communication devices who use sign language and other operators who don't. A method may include receiving images of first sign language gestures captured by a camera of a first communication device, converting the first sign language gestures into first text, transmitting the first text to a second communication device, receiving second text from the second communication device, and converting the second text into images of second sign language gestures made by an avatar. The method may also include operating the camera to capture the images of the first sign language gestures and presenting the images of the second sign language gestures on a display of the first communication device. The method may further include receiving first speech captured at the second communication device, converting the first speech into third text, and then into images of third sign language gestures made by the avatar.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for compensating for tonal deafness experienced by a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis system includes an external device configured to generate a graphical representation that enables the recipient to compensate for reduced tonal perception associated with delivery of the stimulation signals representative of speech signals. The external device is configured to analyze received speech signals to determine vocal articulator movement of the speaker of the speech signals and/or emotion of the speaker. The external device is further configured to display one or more animated visual cues representative of the detected vocal articulator movement and/or emotion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to obtain an image from the perspective of a pacifier user. The method involves the steps of: providing a digital camera mounted on pacifier apparatus 90 and capturing the image. This can be accomplished in one embodiment by providing an apparatus made of a perpendicular mounting member 30 or linear mounting member 35 that has a plurality of grooved prongs shaped to secure the ring 20 of a pacifier; and a digital camera 40 attached to the perpendicular mounting member 30.

Abstract: A properties server includes memory configured to store group properties and global properties used to control operation of the communication devices, and a processor configured to manage the group properties and the global properties responsive to modifications made by an administrator, and to transmit the group properties and the global properties to the communication devices. A communication device includes a processor configured to communicate with a properties server to receive a set of properties that includes at least one group property and at least one global property, and memory operably coupled with the processor. The memory is configured to locally store properties used by the processor to operate the communication device, the locally stored properties being configured to be modified responsive to the set of properties received from the properties server. Related devices, communication systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The application relates to a configurable hearing device such as a hearing aid comprising an input transducer adapted to transform an input sound signal to an electrical input signal; a memory storing at least two different performance categories, each comprising a group of technical features, the group of technical features of each of the at least two different performance categories being at least partially overlapping and each technical feature of the group of technical features being defined by a selectable range and/or parameter settings; a signal processing unit adapted to access the memory and to process the electrical input signal in accordance with an active performance category selectable from the at least two different performance categories, the signal processing unit providing a processed electrical signal; and an output transducer adapted to transform the processed electrical signal to an output signal producing a hearing perception to a user of the hearing device. The invention may e.g.

Abstract: A system for improving speech intelligibility of an audio signal, comprises a hearing aid (10), a server (71), and an external device (50)—such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The hearing aid has a short range transceiver. The server is accessible via the Internet, and has a Speech Recognition Engine converting speech into text. The external device has a short range transceiver for communication with said hearing aid, a second transceiver for providing a wireless data connection to said server via the Internet, means for handling a speech stream intended for the hearing aid, and a Text-To-Speech engine adapted to synthesize speech based on a string of text. The invention also provides a method of improving speech intelligibility of an audio signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making purchases at a merchant point-of-sale (POS) device using a mobile device. Transaction information may be communicated from the POS device to the mobile device and an authorization from the purchaser to proceed with the transaction returned to the POS device from the mobile device. After authorization, the POS device may communicate the transaction information together with an identifier of the mobile device to a financial institution to process payment. The financial institution may confirm the transaction with the purchaser at the mobile device using the identifier of the mobile device. Upon receiving a confirmation response from the mobile device, the financial institution may then transfer funds from a purchaser account to a merchant account.

Abstract: An implantable processor arrangement is described for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) system implanted under the skin of a patient. An implantable communications coil arrangement is configured for transdermal transfer of an implant communications signal. An implantable processor is coupled to and controls the implantable communications coil arrangement so as to operate in two different communications modes. In a normal operation mode, the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for peridermal communication with an external communications coil placed on the skin of the patient immediately over the implantable communications coil arrangement. In a long range telemetry mode, the processor configures the communications coil arrangement for extradermal communication with an external telemetry coil located distant from the skin of the patient immediately over the implantable communications coil arrangement.

Abstract: A TENS apparatus includes a portable TENS device having a housing with a lower surface and a pair of integral electrodes that are incorporated into the lower surface of the housing. The portable TENS device includes a pulse driver that is located within the housing and adapted to generate a program of pulse waveforms for TENS therapy without a carrier wave, and a wireless transceiver component that is operatively connected to the pulse driver. The TENS apparatus includes a remote controller that is provided for communicating with the wireless transceiver component of the portable TENS device by means of a wireless communication signal in order to allow for wireless activation and control of the pulse driver of the portable TENS device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling communication systems for the hearing impaired are disclosed. A portable communication device requests control over a plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device connects to and controls the plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device includes a user interface that enables a user to transfer a call from a first communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication is described. The method includes receiving a signal from a short-range transmit device using a first communication technology. The signal indicates proximity and characteristics of a remote device that uses a second communications technology. The method also includes configuring a controller according to the signal for communications with the remote device using the second communications technology.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method for initiating an enhanced communication connection, between a calling party (A) and a called party (B), within a telecommunication network system comprising multiple interconnected networks, said enhanced communication connection comprising a circuit switched connection and a packet-switched connection, the method according to the invention is characterized in the steps of processing the setting up of said circuit-switched connection and said packet-switched connection based on one single response invoked by said called party (B). In one embodiment of the method the single response could be the pressing of a button or the selection of a displayed icon on a terminal.

Abstract: Voice to text (VTT) call transcription technologies are provided. At least one server receives a request from a mobile device to initiate a transcription of voice communication of a call between the mobile device and another device. The server, responsive to the request, establishes a bridged communication session between the server, the mobile device, the other device and a VTT system. The bridged communication session includes the voice communication of the call that is exchanged between the mobile device and the other device. The VTT system converts the voice communication of the call in the bridged communication session to a text transcription. The VTT system sends the text transcription of the voice communication of the call, for example, to the first mobile device.

Abstract: A detecting device includes a processor and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute: specifying a region of a hand from a captured image; deciding, based on a movement amount of a region specified by the specifying, a first region with a first movement amount and a second region with a second movement amount that is larger than the first movement amount; if a first region and a second region decided by the deciding are captured in a joined state, deriving a region that remains after removing the first region from the captured image; and detecting a predetermined site in an image of a region derived by the deriving.

Abstract: An audio adaptor and method of communication is provided. The audio adaptor includes a first connector for connecting to a source of audio, a second connector for connecting to a telephone, a third connector for connecting to an audio output device, and an attenuator connected to the first connector and the second connector. The method involves receiving a first audio signal at a line level from the source of audio, receiving a second audio signal at the line level from a telephone, transmitting the first audio signal and the second audio signal at the line level to an audio output device, attenuating the first audio signal from the line level to a microphone level and transmitting the attenuated first audio signal.

Abstract: A system for institutions (particularly public safety) to accept spoken information such that users can report incident details as required to convey an official incident (e.g., crime) report and to aid in the investigation of the incident. Similarly, users can employ a combination of voice or text input, media submission, [GUI menu screens] and information download to aid in the immediate analysis of incident information to facilitate a rapid response for the incident. This method of interaction with institutions enables reporting parties to more quickly and efficiently convey incident information when direct interaction by an official is not possible or is subject to delay. This helps institutions, for example, police to provide better services while using less staff and resources.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for communicating emergency alerts to a hearing-impaired user. Queries are performed to one or more emergency alert databases to develop emergency alert notifications. At least some of the emergency alert notifications are filtered responsive to user selected criteria to select one or more filtered emergency alerts. An attention desired indicator is transmitted to a hearing-impaired user device that subscribes to a hearing-impaired relay service supported by the server if the one or more filtered emergency alerts are present. The filtered emergency alerts are transmitted to the hearing-impaired user device in response to a emergency information query from that user device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a host computing device includes an internal display and also includes a connector to connect to an external display. A cable is provided to connect to the connector and to connect to the external display. The cable includes video processing capabilities. For example, the cable may include a memory configured to store a frame buffer. The frame buffer may store a frame of video data for further processing by the video processing device in the cable. The video processing device may manipulate the frame in a variety of ways, e.g. scaling, rotating, gamma correction, dither correction, etc.

Abstract: Video relay services, communication systems, and methods are disclosed connecting users with N11 services in a video relay service environment. A video relay service may comprise at least one server configured to manage a customer database including customer records for audibly-impaired users of the video relay service, manage an N11 database including alternate numbers corresponding to N11 codes for a plurality of different locations defined by political boundaries, receive incoming video calls including an N11 code from a calling party, resolve the N11 code to an appropriate alternate number for an N11 service based on a political boundary for the calling party responsive to a query of the N11 database, establish a first connection between a video communication device associated with the calling party and a call assistant station associated with a sign language interpreter, and establish a second connection between the call assistant station and the N11 service.

Abstract: A method of remote fitting a hearing aid system (102) adapted to avoid mal-functioning of the hearing aid system as a consequence of an interruption or failure of the remote connection during a remote fitting of the hearing aid system. A hearing aid fitting system adapted for such a method and a hearing aid adapted for such a method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling communication systems for the hearing impaired are disclosed. A portable communication device requests control over a plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device connects to and controls the plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device includes a user interface that enables a user to transfer a call from a first communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A group routing server, communication devices, and related methods are described. The group routing server may comprise a processor operably coupled with communication elements and memory, and be configured to determine a destination communication device from among a plurality of communication devices to which an incoming call is to be routed, determine whether an assistive communication service is needed for providing interpretive services based, at least in part, on differing communication abilities between a far-end user associated with a far-end communication device initiating the incoming call and a near-end user associated with the destination communication device, route the incoming call to the assistive communication service according to the routing rules if the assistive communication device is determined to be needed, and route the incoming call directly to the communication service according to the routing rules if the assistive communication device is not determined to be needed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing real-time communication via text between multiple user devices, the method including receiving, at an application server, a conversation request from a first user device, wherein the conversation request is based upon a selection of a second user device from a contact list that is stored on the first user device, sending the conversation request from the application server to a push server, receiving, at the application server, a conversation session ID from the second user device, if the conversation request is accepted by the second user device, sending the conversation session ID from the application server to the push server, receiving, at the application server, a first datagram message from the first user device, sending the first datagram message from the application server to the second user device, receiving, at the application server, a second datagram message from the second user device, and sending the second datagram message from the application server to the fir

Abstract: Communication endpoints, software update servers, and related methods are disclosed. A communication endpoint includes a data storage device including a boot loader partition, a boot loader settings partition, and a plurality of combo image partitions. A method includes receiving an update package including a new combo image and one or more repair modules configured to diagnose and repair at least one of a boot loader, boot loader settings, and a file system of the communication endpoint. The method also includes replacing a combo image stored on one of the plurality of combo image partitions with the new combo image, and executing at least one of the one or more repair modules. A software update server includes a data storage device including the update package, and communication elements configured to transmit the update package to the communication endpoint.

Abstract: An electronic device having hearing aid capability is disclosed. The electronic device includes a linear resonance actuator (LRA). The LRA is configured to produce both vibrations and a hearing aid compatible magnetic field. A processor coupled to the LRA is operable to control the LRA to generate a magnetic field for inductively coupling the electronic device to a hearing aid when a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) mode is enabled, wherein the generated magnetic field is encoded with audio information which corresponds to an audio signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for a translation-based communication service operation. The method includes: establishing a communication service channel between a transmitter-side terminal and a receiver-side terminal; translating at least one of a text of a first language and a voice signal in the first language collected by the transmitter-side terminal into a second language to generate at least one of a translation text of a second language and a translation voice in the second language; and receiving and outputting at least one of the generated translation text in the second language and the translation voice signal in the second language by the receiver-side terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing aid attached to a mobile electronic device. Elements forming the hearing aid are separated into a main hearing aid device and a sub-hearing aid device. The main hearing aid device is attached to the casing of a mobile electronic device and connected to the mobile electronic device through a wired cable, and the sub-hearing aid device is placed in an ear of a user. Other people rarely notice that a user uses the hearing aid because the main hearing aid device is mounted on the casing of a mobile electronic device. The hearing aid is supplied with power from the battery of the mobile electronic device, and has the same size as the casing of the mobile electronic device. Accordingly, a beamforming operation through a microphone array is possible, and use convenience and a level of satisfaction of the hearing aid can be improved.

Abstract: A method for detecting settle-down time in a space includes acquiring a sequence of frames capturing a select space from a first camera. The method includes determining an initial time for computing a duration it takes for an associated occupant to settle into a seat in the select space. The method includes determining one or more candidate frames from the sequence of frames where one or both of a sitting behavior and seat occupancy is observed at the seat. The method includes determining a final frame and a final time associated with the final frame from the one or more candidate frames. The method includes computing the settle-down time using the initial and the final times.

Abstract: A hearing aid compatible mobile electronic device is provided. The hearing aid compatible mobile electronic device includes a wireless communication unit including a power amplification module, a power source configured to transfer a first current to the power amplification module through a sending end thereof and to receive a second current from the power amplification module through a ground terminal thereof, a line unit connected between the power amplification module and the power source and including a first line through which the first current flows and a second line through which the second current flows in an opposite direction to the first current, and a receiver configured to generate a magnetic signal for hearing aid compatibility and to receive a first magnetic field generated by the first current and a second magnetic field generated by the second current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling communication systems for the hearing impaired are disclosed. A portable communication device requests control over a plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device connects to and controls the plurality of communication devices. The portable communication device includes a user interface that enables a user to transfer a call from a first communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A hearing loss compensation apparatus includes a microphone configured to collect an ambient sound and generate an audio signal based on the collected ambient sound. A hearing loss compensation apparatus body inserted into an ear of a hearing impaired patient is configured to compensate for the audio signal based on auditory characteristics of the hearing impaired patient. The hearing loss compensation apparatus body is further configured to output the audio signal in a direction of an eardrum of the hearing impaired patient. A connection member is configured to connect the microphone to the hearing loss compensation apparatus body and fix a position of the microphone to be inside an ear canal of the hearing impaired patient.

Abstract: A listening instrument includes a) a microphone unit for picking up an input sound from the current acoustic environment of the user and converting it to an electric microphone signal; b) a microphone gain unit for applying a specific microphone gain to the microphone signal and providing a modified microphone signal; c) a direct electric input signal representing an audio signal; d) a direct gain unit for applying a specific direct gain to the direct electric input signal and providing a modified direct electric input signal; e) a detector unit for classifying the current acoustic environment and providing one or more classification parameters; f) a control unit for controlling the specific microphone gain applied to the electric microphone signal and/or the specific direct gain applied to the direct electric input signal based on the one or more classification parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) interface implemented by a server computing system. In one embodiment, the server computing system may be configured to receive an incoming telephony call from a TDD protocol-based device placed to a telephone number associated with the server computing system. In response to the incoming telephony call, the server computing system may invoke an automated telephony services application and associate a TTD interface with the incoming telephony call. The server computing device may output information from the automated telephony services application to the TDD protocol-based device via the TDD interface as TDD protocol-based data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of authentication, the method comprising monitoring for the presence of a hearing instrument; responsive to detecting the hearing instrument: establishing a short-range wireless communication session with the hearing instrument; determining an identity of the hearing instrument wearer; and responsive to determining the identity of the wearer, setting a value indicating that the hearing instrument wearer is authenticated with and within the wireless range of the presence device.

Abstract: Communication systems and methods for controlling audio communications between a relay service and an audio endpoint with a video endpoint are disclosed. A communication system comprises a relay service configured to engage in video communications with a video endpoint and audio communications with an audio endpoint. The relay service comprises a control circuit configured to receive call control signals from the video endpoint, and automatically control communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint responsive to the call control signals. A communication system includes a video endpoint comprising a user interface configured to transmit call commands to the relay service responsive to user inputs. The call commands are directed to automatically triggering controls at the relay service over audio communications between the relay service and the audio endpoint.